Anniversary Of Covid-19 Poem by Deanna Samuels

ANNIVERSARY OF COVID-19 - 11th March 2021

Covid-19 became an official pandemic one year ago today
WHO finally acknowledged after too slow a start
The virus, originally referred to as coronavirus,
Renamed Covid-19 from its origination in late 2019
The world so far has endured enormous loss
118,161,914 cases worldwide and counting
2,622,143 deaths and counting
A loss so unbearable, yet we cannot share the grief
Lockdowns and shutdowns barring such meets

But what has been the cost?
Lost jobs by the millions throughout the world
Businesses, large and small closed down, not sustainable
Frontline workers exhausted, yet still they soldier on
Schools being closed, parents at home with children
People urged to stay indoors, visiting barred at retirement homes
No unnecessary outside journeys, restricted shopping
Government helped, topped up those unemployed
Businesses too had help, but still a great struggle

Now, a miracle, within the past year, vaccines developed and approved
Yet, previously, new vaccines would have taken up to a decade
The miracle continues with people now being vaccinated
Front liners in whatever capacity; the elderly
Gradually heading down the line to the young
Throughout the world, populations are slowly being secured
Businesses opening, jobs starting up, kids back in class
Though doctors concerned of third wave if caution breaks down
Will take many months more for all the world's 8 billion to be safe
It will be done - humankind will prevail and breathe easily again

Written at Courtice, Ontario - 10th March 2021